How to update Security Key for WiFi Network in Windows 8/10

Wireless technology helps us to connect our Windows systems to a specific WiFi network, so that we can easily access Internet without connecting any cable to the system. In our everyday life, we came across many WiFi networks. Whenever you came in the range of previously connected WiFi network, whether it is secure or not, you’re automatically connected. In some cases, you may need to update the WiFi network security passcode so that you can connect to the network.

In this article, I’ll show you how to update the security passcode or key for specific WiFi network. Basically, you can update the WiFi network key manually or by using Command Prompt. Both the ways are mentioned here for your convenience. The Command Prompt way has mentioned by MVP Leo Lorenzo Luis on this article.

Manually Update Security Key For WiFi Network

1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl in the Run dialog box and hit Enter to open Network Connections.

2. In the Network Connections window, right click over Wi-Fi and select Status.

3. In the WiFi Status shown below, click Wireless Properties.

4. In the Wireless Network Properties window, for the Network security key section, change the password and input the new password. Click OK. You may now close Network Connections window.

You can now try to reconnect the same WiFi network, and if the key is correct, you’ll be connected on the go.

Update Security Key For Specific WiFi Network Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt; by pressing Windows Key + R and type cmd.exe and hit Enter. Execute the following command:

netsh wlan show profiles

2. If you like, you can use following command to show the properties of that specific wireless network for which you’re updating the security key:

netsh wlan show profiles name=”profilename“

Substitute WiFi network for which you’re updating the password with profilename.

3. Now execute following command to clear the existing security key for that specific wireless network:

netsh wlan show profiles name=”profilename” key=clear

Now, when next time you’ll connect to the same WiFi network, it will ask you the new key. So enter the new security key and after verification you’ll be connected.

An Electrical Engineer by profession, Kapil is a Microsoft MVP and a Microsoft Content Creator. Please read the entire post & the comments first & create a system restore point before making any changes to your system.